2025-02-19                     House Journal                      Page 0212
HB 109                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 109 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
    "An Act relating to the lease and sale of state land for recreational                                                       
    cabin sites; and providing for an effective date."                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1. Fiscal, Dept. of Natural Resources                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18 follows:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Edgmon:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am pleased to transmit this bill concerning the lease and                                                       
sale of state land for cabin sites.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2025-02-19                     House Journal                      Page 0213
Currently, only one percent of state land is in private ownership. This                                                         
bill allows more Alaskans to lease and purchase state land for cabin                                                            
sites, promoting settlement, fostering economic growth, and reflecting                                                          
the principle that private land ownership is fundamental to personal                                                            
freedom and prosperity.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
This legislation refines the existing remote cabin sites program by                                                             
updating eligibility requirements and establishing clear processes for                                                          
nominating and staking cabin sites. The bill allows for an eligible                                                             
applicant to nominate up to ten acres of available state land for a cabin                                                       
site if that land is not included in the schedule of land offerings.                                                            
Purchasers must complete a survey and appraisal of the site and pay its                                                         
fair market value.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
By expanding Alaskans' access to state land, this bill strengthens                                                              
private land ownership and invests in Alaska's future.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"